Fan type switch



2 Sheets-Sheet 1 INVENTOR. EMMOR V. SCHNEIDER ATTORNEYS June 7, 1966 E. v. SCHNEIDER FAN TYPE SWITCH med oct. 4, 195s E. V. SCHNEIDER FAN TYPE SWITCH June 7, 1966 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed Oct. 4, 1983 FIG. 3

INVENTOR. EMMOR V. SCHNEIDER ATTORNEYS United safes Patent oF 3,254,450 FAN TYPE SWITCH Emmor V. Schneider, Alliance, Ohio, assigner to The Alliance Manufacturing Company, a Division of Consolidated Electronic Industries Corporation, a corporation of Delaware l Filed Oct. 4, 1963, Ser. No. 313,892 11 Claims. (Cl. 49--28) This invention relates to a switch and more particularly to a switch adapted to be utilized in conjunction with a garage `door operator wherein an electric motor and a control circuit determine the opening and closing movements of a garage door.

A multiplicity of garage door operators have been developed in recent years with various standard techniques to effect the opening and closing movements of the door `having evolved. One such technique includes the provision of a beam which is secured at one end to the garage door with the longitudinal extent of the beam being receivable in frictional contact with a drive roller on the garage door operator. Upon rotation of the roller, the beam is caused to reciprocate thereby to effect a corresponding movement of the garage door. Examples of this broad, general arrangement are to be found in the prior United States patents to Negri, No. 2,430,729 and Richmond et al., No. 2,752,150.

A problem which has arisen in'the particular environment illustrated in the above-mentioned patents, and which the prior patentees have recognized, is the provision of an additional mechanism associated with the motor and control circuit for sensing the presence of an obstruc- .tion such as an automobile or a human body during the operation of the garage door. This sensing mechanism has been designed to discontinue the operation of the electric motor either when an obstruction is present or when the door has reached its upper and lower limits of travel. An improved sensing mechanism for accomplishing these functions constitutes the subject matter of the instant invention.

Accordingly, it is an object of this invention to provide .a mechanism for sensing the presence of an obstruction during the opening and closing movements of a garage door.

It is a further object of this invention to provide a mechanism for deenergizing the electric motor of a garage door operator ywhen the garage door is obstructed in its movement either during the normal range of movement or at its upper and lower limits of travel.

A further object of this invention is to provide a sensing mechanism which is capable of sensing a variation in the speed'of a rotating member.

Still another object of this invention is to provide a sensing mechanism not only for determining the existence of a variation in the speed of a-member,A but also for determining the presence of an overloaded condition on the driving member.

Amore specific object of this invention is to provide a sensing mechanism which is rotatably secured to the shaft of an idler roller, with the sensing mechanism being operable to sense a deviation in the speed of the idler roller relative to the drive roller and operate a switch when such deviation occurs.

A still further specific object of the invention is to provide a sensing mechanism which includes an epicyclic gear train with the planetary gear being operable to actuate a switch.

Another object of the invention is to provide a sensing mechanism which is entirely associated with the idler roller of a garage door operator but which is operable to 3,254,450 Patented June 7, 1966 ICC sense a deviation between the angular velociites of the drive and idler roller.

A further object of the invention is to provide a reverted epicyclic gear train in association with the idler roller of a garage door operator and a spring biased planetary gear controlled by a loading fan operable to actuate a switch whereby the motor of the operator may be deenergized.

To the accomplishment of the foregoing and related ends, said invention then consists ofthe means hereinafter fully described and particularly pointed out in the -claims, the following description setting forth in detail but one approved means 'of carrying out the invention, such disclosed means, however, constituting but one of the various Ways in which the principles of the invention may be used.

In the drawings wherein like reference numerals indicate like parts in the various views:

FIG. l is a perspective View showing the garage door operator as it is operatively associated with an overhead type garage door.

FIG. 2 is a view taken along line 2 2 of FIG. 1 and illustrates, in dotted lines, the schematic-relationship of thev mechanism comprising the instant invention.

FIG. 3 is a plan view of the fan switch.

FIG. 4 is an end elevation view of the fan switch illustrated in FIG. 3.

FIG. 5 is a view taken along line 5 5 of FIG. 4.

Referring to FIG. l, there is illustrated a garage door, indicated general-ly by the reference numeral 10, which is of the overhead type and which is adapted to be moved along appropriate tracks, not shown. It is to be understood that, although an overhead type garage door is illustrated, such illustration is purely for purposes of disclosure and the garage door operator disclosed herein may be utilized on a wide variety of garage doors.

Secured to the upper portion of the garage `door is a link 11 with the other end of the link being secured to a carrier 12. The carrier 12, in turn, is secured to a channel member 13', with the channel passing between the drive roller 14 and idler roller 15 of a garage door operator, indicated generally by the reference numeral 20. The idler roller t15 is normally biased in a direction toward the drive roller 14 so that the channel member 13 is clamped between the two rollers, as illustrated in FIG. 2. Due to this clamping relationship between the two rollers 14, 15, the channel member 13 is in frictional engagement with the drive roller 14 so that as the drive roller 14 rotates, the channel member 13 is caused to reciprocate thereby raising or lowering the door depending upon the direction of rotation of the roller 14. Inasmuch as the idler roller clamps the channel 13 to the drive roller 14, it is apparent that the reciprocation of the channel 13 drives the idler roller 1,5 at an angular velocity which normally is directly proportional to the velocity of the roller 14.

The driving mechanism includes a drive shaft 21 in the form of a worm gear which is driven by a motor, not shown, and which is in engagement with a wheel 22 secured for rotation on the shaft 23. The shaft 23 mounts at its outer end the drive roller 14 which may be of rubber or any other suitable material. Appropriate bear- ;ing blocks 24 are provided for the journalling of the drive shaft 23 in the housing of operator 20.

The mechanism hereinabove described is of a conventional nature and appears in many commercially available operators. vThe prior art also has recognized the need for a mechanism to discontinue automatically the operation of the garage door operator, not only at the upper and lower limits of travel of the garage door, but also in the event that the garage door encounters an obstruction during its opening or closing movements. An improved mechanism for accomplishing these safety features constitutes the subject matter of this invention. However, the novel invention herein disclosed includes several additional features including the provision of an overload release mechanism whereby an overloaded condition on the driving roller may be sensed and the driving motor will be deenergized. There is also provided in the improved sensing mechanism a device whereby the sensitivity of the sensing mechanism may be controlled so that a minor obstruction will be inadequate to terminate the operation of the mechanism.

Turning to FIG. 3, there is illustrated, and indicated generally by the reference numeral 30, the sensing mechanism which comprises the instant invention. The sensing mechanism 30 is in the nature of a control switch for discontinuing the operation of the garage door operator during either the opening or closing movements of the garage door. Extending generally parallel to the shaft 23 is a second shaft 31 which mounts on its external outer end the idler roller 15. The shaft 31 is journalled at one end in a bearing block 33 and at its otherv end in a bearing 34. The shaft end 35 of the shaft 31 opposite tothe idler roller 15 projects beyond the bearing 34 and serves to mount the sensing mechanism 30.

Broadly, the mechanism 30 may be classified as a reverted epicyclic or planetary gear train adapted to actuate a switch for discontinuing the operation of the garage door operator. More specifically, as shown in FIGS. 3, 4, and 5, the mechanism includes a first gear 36 which is frictionally secured to the shaft end 35 of the shaft 31 for rotation therewith. Rotatably journalled on the shaft end 35 of the shaft adjacent to the gear 36 is a sleeve 37 with the end of the sleeve immediately adjacent to the gear 36 having formed integrally therewith a radially extending plate or arm 38. The arm 38 includes diametrically opposed projections 39a, 3% with projection 39a having a bevelled corner 40 adaptedto engage a switch contact 41 secured to the mounting frame 42. c

Encircling the sleeve 37 is a coil spring 4 3. he ends 44, 45 of the spring 43 are receivedl on opposite sides of a tang 46 which is an integral portion of the arm 38. Appropriate semicircular recesses 47 are .formed on opposite sides of the tang 46 and are adapted to receive the ends 44, 45 of the spring 43 thereby to retain the ends of the springs in operative relation to the arm 38. The ends 44, 45 of the spring 43 extend beyond the tang 46 to a position on opposite sides of a projection or tang 48 which is integral with the mounting frame 42 and serves as a fixed `stop against which the ends of the spring abut.

It is to be noted that as the arm 38 and the sleeve 37 are rotated relative to the shaft end 35 of the shaft 31, as for example clockwise as shown in dotted lines in FIG. 4, the spring end 45 is displaced in a corresponding clockwise direction thereby placing the spring 43 under a torsional stress. The spring end 44 is restrained by the projection 48. The arm 38 may be rotated in the clockwise direction until the projection 39a abuts the projection 48 on the mounting frame 42, this position being shown in dotted lines in FIG. 4. Upon release of the arm 38, the stressed condition of the spring 43 returns the arm to a position wherein the projection 39a is in the full-line position shown in FIG. 4. A similar movement of the arm in the counterclockwise direction is also possible with the projection 39h engaging the projection 38.

The arm 38 carries a shaft 49 which serves to rotatably support a first pinion 50 adapted to engage the gear 36. A second gear 51 is secured to the pinion 50 on the shaft 49 and meshes with a pinion 52. The pinion 52 is coaxial with the gear 36 and is rotatably mounted on a reduced diameter shaft 53 which is secured to the shaft end 35 of the shaft 31 for unitary rotation. The pinion 52 has secured thereto a fan blade 54.

Summarizing the gear train described, it is to be noted that the gear 36 is secured for rotation with the shaft end 35. The pinion 50 mounted on the arm 38 is adapted to rotate relative to the shaft 49 as is also the gear wheel 51. The pinion 52 is freely rotatable relative to shaft end 35. Thus, as the shaft 31 is rotated, the gear 36 secured therewith will have a corresponding rotation which will be imparted t0 the pinion 50 and the gear wheel 51. The gear 51 being in meshing engagement with the pinion 52 will impart a corresponding rotation to the pinion and the fan 54.

Although a xed gear, ordinarily present in the conventional epicyclic gear train, is not utilized, the presence of the fan 54 secured to the pinion 52 accomplishes the function of causing the arm 38 and gear 51 to be rotated relative to the shaft end 35. Thus, as the shaft end 35 is rotated, the gear 36 will be rotated as mentioned above causing a corresponding rotation of the pinion 50 and the gear wheel 51. The gear wheel 51, in turn, will tend to impart a corresponding rotation to the pinion 52. However, the presence of the fan 54 secured to the pinion applies a load or drag to the pinion 52 and, in effect, imparts a restraining force on theA rotation of the pinion 52. Thus, the resistance of the pinion 52 will cause the gear 51 and its associated pinion 50 and arm 38 to rotate around the pinion 52 in a planet and sun arrangement. The planetary rotation of the gear 51 will continue until such time as one of the projections 39 on the arm 38, depending on the direction of rotation, engages the projection 48 on the mounting plate 42. in the manner described above.

It is to be noted at this point that the resilience of the spring 43 resists the rotation of the arm 38 about'the shaft end 35. However, the load imposed by the fan 54, coupled with the rotation of the shaft end 35 overcomes the spring resistance and the angular displacement of the arm 38 is accomplished. Once one ofthe projections 39 engages the lug 48, the load or drag imposed by the fan 54 has accomplished the purpose of displacing the projection 39a from the switch contact 41 and the planetary motion of the gear 51 is restrained by the coaction between the projection 48 and the projection 39. A straight gear drive is then imparted to the fan 54. If rotation of the shaft 31 is halted and the torque of the shaft is removed, the stressed spring 43 is operable to return the arm 38 to the full-line position of FIG. 4. The return movement of the arm 38 under the biasing force of the spring 43 is cushioned by the action of the fan 54 so that a smooth, even movement occurs during the return of the arm 38.

v In the context of the garage door operator, the operation of the device is substantially as outlined above. However, for purposes of clarity, a typical cycle will be outlined. Assuming the door to be in a closed position, and upon suitable actuation of the drive motor, rotation will be imparted to the drive roller 14 through the worin gear 21, the gear 22 and the shaft 23. Inasmuch as the charii'iel member 13 is clamped between the roller 14 and the idler roller 15, rotation of the roller 14 will impart a similar angular velocity to the roller 15. Upon rotation of the roller 1S, the shaft 31 will experience a corresponding rotation and the gear 36 will likewise be rotated. This rotation will be transmitted through the pinion 50 to the gear wheel 51 which, as outlined above, will tend to rotate the pinion 52. However, the rotation of the pinion 52 will be resisted by the fan 54 so that the above-described planetary movement of the gear 51 and the arm 38wi'l1 occur. This planetary movement will be against the bias of the spring 43 and will effect the removal of the projection 39a of the arm 38 from the vicinity of the switch contact 41 thereby permitting the continued operation of the garage door operator.

Once the door has been lifted to the fully-opened position and has engaged the usual stops which limit the travel of the garage door, the drive roller 14, despite its frictional contact with the channel 13, will be unable to continue the driving movement of the channel and slippage of the roller 14 will occur. The channel 13 will then be at rest and, inasmuch as the angular velocity of the roller is dependent upon the movement of the channel 13, the roller 15 likewise will cease its angular movement. With the cessation of the angular rotation of the shaft 31, the spring 43 will tend to return the arm 38 to a position such that the projection 39a will re-engage the switch contact 41. As pointed out above, the biasing effect of the spring 43 is cushioned by the fan 54 so that a smooth, even return of the arm 38 is effected. Once the projection 39a engages the switch contact 41, an appropriate relay similar to that disclosed in Richards, U.S. Patent No. 2,611,888, will be energized and the drive motor will be shut off.

A similar operation to that above-described will occur when the door is moved to a closed position, with the ground serving as a limit for the closing movement of the door. i

In the event that an obstruction is encountered during either the opening or closing movement, itis believed apparent that the longitudinal travel of the channel 13 will be restrained and the movement of the roller 15 will be discontinued in a manner similar to that which occurs when the door reaches either the upper or lower limit. Once the rotation of the roller 15 has been halted, the operation of the switch is identical to that described above. If the obstruction is only momentary, the cushion effect of the fan 54 will be a sufiicient retardant to the biasing force of the spring 43 so that the rotation of the roller 15 may be resumed before the arm 38 has been returned to the switch closing position. If such a condition occurs, the movement of the garage door will be continued without the necessity of reactivating the garage door operator. If, however, the arm 38 is returned to the switch closing position, the motor must be reenergized before the opening movements of the garage door may be completed.

A further characteristic of the switch 30 is the overload release feature. In the event that the drive roller 14 should p be overloaded to the condition where its angular velocity in-a position engaging the switch contact 41 vthereby deenergizing the drive motor.

It is believed to be apparent to those with ordinary skill in the art that the sensitivity of the above mechanism is, in large part, dependent upon the strength of the spring 43 as well as the configuration and size of the fan 54 so that the particular fan configuration and spring characteristics hereinabove described are not meant to be limiting. Similarly, various other gear trains will suggest themselves'to those with ordinary skill in the art so that the precise configuration herein disclosed is not meant to be exhaustive. For ease of description, the principles of the invention have been set forth in connection with but a single illustrated embodiment. It is not my intention that the illustrated embodiment or the terminology employed in describing it be limiting inasmuch as variations in these may be made without departing from the lspirit of the invention, but rather, it is my desire to be restricted onlyV by the scope of the appended claims.

I claim: 1. In combination, a rotatable driving member, means for driving said rotatable driving member, a rotatable driven member, a control,mechanism for controlling the relative rotation of said driving and driven members, said mechanism including a stationary switch operable to deenergize said means for driving said rotatable driving member, means operatively mounted upon said driven member for movement therewith, said means assuming a position remote from said switch permitting energization of said means for driving said rotatable driving member for so long as said driven member -is rotating above the predetermined angular velocity, upon the angular velocity of said driven member falling below said predetermined angular velocity, irrespective of the speed of the driving member said means assuming a switch de-energizing position to deactivate said means for driving said rotatable driving member. 2. A device for controlling the movements of a longitudinally moving member comprising,

a drive roller in frictional contact-with one surface of the member, driving means for rotating said drive roller, an idler roller in frictional contact with another surface of said member, sensing means operatively mounted on said idler roller for movement therewith, a switch stationarily mounted proximate said idler roller, said sensing means including a switch actuating member operatively positioned in contact with said switch thereby to deenergize the said driving means, said switch actuating member being displaced from a switch actuating position upon said idler roller rotating at an angular velocity above a predetermined level. 3. The device of claim 2 wherein said sensing means includes,

a shaft secured to said idler roller for rotation therewith, a first gear secured to said shaft for rotation therewith, an arm rotatably mounted on said shaft and being movable between first and second positions, spring means supported on the device biasing said arm to said first position, a pinion rotatably secured to said arm and in meshing engagement with said first gear, a second gear secured for rotation with said pinion on said arm, a second pinion rotatably supported on said shaft and in meshing engagement with said second gear, loading means associated with said second pinion for rotating said arm against the biasing force provided by said spring means to said second position relative to said shaft by a driving force transmitted through said gear and said pinion. 4. A switch operating mechanism comprising a rotatable shaft,

a firsJ gear connected to said shaft for rotation there- W1t an arm rotatably mounted on said shaft and being movable between first and second positions, spring means operatively supported on said shaft biasing said arm to said first position, a pinion rotatably secured to said arrn and in meshing engagement with said first gear, a second gear secured for rotation with said pinion on said arm, a second pinion rotatably supported on said shaft and in meshing engagement with said second gear, 4 loading means associated with said second pinion for rotating said arm against the biasing force provided by said spring means to said second position relative to said shaft by driving force transmitted through said gear and said pinion. 5. A device adapted to operate a garagedoor including,

a beam secured at one end of the door, a driving roller l in frictional contact with one surface of the beam,

driving means for rotating said driving roller, an idler roller in frictional contact with another surface of said beam, said beam positioned between the driving and idler rollers for longitudinal movement thereby, circuit means including a stationary switch contact mounted proximate the idler roller controlling the operation of said driving means,

a control switch actuator comprising a shaft secured to said idler roller for rotation therewith,

an arm pivotally mounted on said shaft and movable between rst and second positions,

biasing means operatively positioned on the device normally biasing said arm to said rst position for contacting said stationary switch and thereby deenergizing said driving means and preventing longitudinal movement of said beam between said driving roller and said idler roller,

and means operatively associated with said arm and said shaft pivoting said arm to said second position against the resistance provided by said biasing means when said idler roller is rotated,

said latter-mentioned means including means maintaining said arm vin said second position when said idler roller is rotating at an angular velocity above a predetermined level due to the longitudinal movement imparted to said beam by said driving roller.

6. The device of claim wherein said latter-mentioned means includes,

a fan rotatably mounted on said shaft, and

a gear train interconnecting said fan to said arm and said shaft whereby said fan provides a load of predetermined magnitude t-o the gear train resulting in rotation of said arm against the biasing force provided by said biasing means upon said idler roller having a predetermined angular velocity imparted thereto by the longitudinal movement of said beam by said driving roller, and upon longitudinal movement of said beam decreasing below said predetermined angular velocity due to resistance of any type to the further movement of the garage door, said arm automatically returns to said rst position by the urging of said biasing means to contact said stationary switch and deenergize said driving member.

7. The combination of claim 6 wherein said gear train comprises,

a first gear secured to said shaft for rotation therewith,

a pinion rotatably secured to said arm in meshing engagement with said irst gear,

a second gear secured for rotation with said pinion on said arm,

a second pinion rotatably supported on said shaft in meshing engagement with said second gear,

said fan being secured to said second pinion and imposing a load on said second pinion whereby said second gear traverses said second pinion in a planetary manner under longitudinal beam moving conditions.

8. A control device comprising,

a frame,

a shaft rotatably journalled in said frame,

a roller secured to one end of said shaft,

a switch contact mounted on said frame adjacent to the other end of said shaft,

a sleeve adjacent said switch contact and being rotatably carried by said shaft,

a radially extending arm on said sleeve,

said arm including diametrically opposed projections thereon with one of said projections being operable to engage said switch contact,

a tang formed on the frame adjacent to said arm, said tang being engageable by one of said projections in S one direction of rotation of saidv arm and by the other of said projections in the other direction of rotation of said arm, biasing means biasing said arm into a position wherein 5 said one projection engages said switch contact,

and means on said shaft for rotating said arm when said roller is rotating to a position wherein one of said projections engages said tang and said one projection is disengaged from said switch contact. 9. The device of claim 8 wherein, said latter-mentioned means includes a gear secured for rotation on said shaft adjacent to said arm, a pinion rotatably carried by said arm, said pinion being in meshing engagement with said gear, and means operatively associated wtih said pinion .to

cause said pinion to rotate about said gear and thereby rotate said arm.

10. The device of claim 9 wherein,

said means associated with said pinion includes a fan,

and means operatively connecting said fan with said pinion whereby said pinion drives said fan.

11. A device for Isensing the presence of an obstruction in the path of a longitudinally moving member compris- Lng, means for driving said longitudinally moving mema roller in Ifrictional contact with said member,

a shaft secured to said roller,

a support for said shaft,

a switch contact mounted on said support proximate said roller to control the operation of said driving means,

a contact arm rotatably supported on said shaft,

said arm having a portion adapted to engage said switch contact and deactivate said driving means,

biasing means mounted on said device biasing said arm to a position wherein said portion engages said switch contact,

stop means on said support in the path of rotation of said arm to limit .the amount of rotation of said arm,

and means on said shaft for rotating said arm in response to longitudinal movement of said moving member such that said arm portion is disengaged from said switch Contact and saidfarm abuts said stop means on said support to limit further rotation of said arrn,

said latter-mentioned-means being operable to permit the return of said arm portion under the influence of said spring to its original switch contact position when the angular velocity of said shaft is below a predetermined level due to resistance in the movel ment of said longitudinally moving member.

References Cited by the Examiner UNITED STATES PATENTS 6/ 195 6 Richmond et al 268-74 HARRISON R. MOSELEY, Primary Examiner.

J. K. BELL, Assistant Examiner. 

5. A DEVICE ADAPTED TO OPERATE A GARAGE DOOR INCLUDING A BEAM SECURED AT ONE END OF THE DOOR, A DRIVING ROLLER IN FRICTIONAL CONTACT WITH ONE SURFACE OF THE BEAM, DRIVING MEANS FOR ROTATING SAID DRIVING ROLER, AN IDLER ROLLER IN FRICTIONAL CONTACT WITH ANOTHER SURFACE OF SAID BEAM, SAID BEAM POSITIONED BETWEEN THE DRIVING AND IDLER ROLLRS FOR LONGITUDINAL MOVEMENT THEREBY, CIRCUIT MEANS INCLUDING A STATIONARY SWITCH CONTACT MOUNTED PROXIMATE THE IDLER ROLLER CONTROLLING THE OPERATION OF SAID DRIVING MEANS, A CONTROL SWITCH ACTUATOR COMPRISING A SHAFT SECURED TO SAID IDLER ROLLER FOR ROTATION THEREWITH, AN ARM PIVOTALLY MOUNTED ON SAID SHAFT AND MOVABLE BETWEEN FIRST AND SECOND POSITIONS, BIASING MEANS OPERTIVELY POSITIONED ON THE DEVICE NORMALLY BIASING SAID ARM TO SAID FIRST POSITION FOR CONTACTING SAID STATIONARY SWITCH AND THEREBY DEENERGIZING SAID DRIVING MEANS AND PREVENTING LONGITUDINAL MOVEMENT OF SAID BEAM BETWEEN SAID DRIVING ROLLER AND SAID IDLER ROLLER, AND MEANS OPERATIVELY ASSOCIATED WITH SAID ARM AND SAID SHAFT PIVOTING SAID ARM TO SAID SECOND POSITION AGAINST THE RESISTANCE PROVIDED BY SAID BIASING MEANS WHEN SAID IDLER ROLLE IS ROTATED, SAID LATTER-MENTIONED MEANS INCLUDING MEANS MAINTAINING SAID ARM IN SAID SECOND POSITION WHEN SAID IDLER ROLLER IS ROTATING AT AN ANGULAR VELOCITY ABOVE A PREDETERMINED LEVEL DUE TO THE LONGITUDINAL MOVEMENT IMPARTED TO SAID BEAM BY SAID DRIVING ROLLER. 